Groton water commission hopefuls debate issues

By Hiroko Sato, hsato@lowellsun.com

Updated:
04/10/2013 06:35:25 AM EDT

GROTON -- Mark Deuger and David Crocker, who are vying for a three-year seat on the Water Commission, believe it's important to restore the health of the weed-infested Lost Lake and protect a nearby drinking water well.

But after Town Meeting rejected the proposal to install sewer lines in the neighborhood to do away with aging septic systems that many say are contributing to the weed problem, neither candidate has ideas for alternative solutions.

Deuger, an environmental consultant of more than 12 years, called the lake water quality a "complex issue" that would require time to review. Crocker, who works for the Westford Water Department, said he is also concerned about the impact of the septic systems on the lake water.

But "is it going to be handled tomorrow? Probably not," Crocker said.

Selectman Stuart Schulman, who is seeking re-election, said the solution is to find financial resources that the town can tap into to help install sewer lines around the lake.

"It's truly a money problem," Schulman said of the concerns over the cost of the construction that resulted in the failed Town Meeting vote.

"It will involve more taxpayers' dollars because it's a townwide problem," Selectman Joshua Degen, who is also seeking re-election, said about the creation of the Lost Lake Sewer District.

The water and sewer issues for the Lost Lake neighborhood took center stage at the Candidates Night Tuesday night as the event focused on the Water Commission race -- the only contested race in this year's election.

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Deuger, 57, of Skyfields Drive and Crocker, 52, of Lowell Road both touted their experience in water-resource management. Deuger, a former Army major, once worked as an environmental specialist for Fort Devens while Crocker has expertise particularly in water treatment.

As Town Clerk Michael Bouchard asked what challenges the Commission is facing, both candidates said the town will need to secure more sources of water as the population grows. Crocker noted the chemicals put in the pond to help deal with the weed problem is also a concern. Deuger said being proactive about protecting the environment and drinking water, as well as managing the budget, are important.

The selectmen's race is no longer contested after the third candidate, Justin Halleran of Pleasant Street, withdrew his candidacy on Monday for personal reasons. Degen, of Martin Pond Road, and Schulman, of Chicopee Row, both participated in the event, however, to take questions from the audience. There were several questions about why the board has left Personnel Board positions unfilled for many months.

School Committee candidate Thomas Steinfeld of Hawtree Way, Board of Health incumbent member Robert Fleischer of Nashua Road and Park Commission candidate Robert Flynn of Nashua Road also introduced themselves at the event, although the races are not contested. The event was co-sponsored by the Groton Republican and Democratic town committees.

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